Effect of Temperature and Vacuum on the Drying Rate and Various Parameters of Wood Samples, using an Indigenously Designed and Developed Vacuum Drying System

Cite this article as:Hussain, T., Shamraiz, M., Abrar, S.U., 2016. Effect of Temperature and Vacuum on the Drying Rate and Various Parameters of Wood Samples, using an Indigenously Designed and Developed Vacuum Drying System. International Journal of Technology, Volume 7(5), pp. 795-809

A vacuum drying system is being
designed and developed at National Institute of Vacuum Science & Technology
(NINVAST) to dry various materials under vacuum conditions. Its performance and
capabilities are tested by carrying out different experiments on green (freshly
cut) wood samples of Poplar and Eucalyptus with dimensions of 990.6 mm x 76.2 mm
x 25.4 mm and 469.9 mm x 50.8 mm x 25.4 mm, respectively. These samples were
dried from green moisture content (MC) 78% to 10% by this system at ultimate
vacuum of about 1.6 x 103 pascal and at a temperature ranging from 35oC
to 55oC for about 20 hrs. Drying quality tests included: prong test,
warp measurement, surface checking and moisture content measurement, which were
all performed. The resulting wood samples showed no dislocation and no
excessive stress buildup. If compared to ordinary drying process, the vacuum
drying is rapid and the drying rate increases with rise in temperature. The
designed system is beneficial for commercial use.

Hussain, T., Shamraiz, M., Abrar, S.U., 2016. Effect of Temperature and Vacuum on the Drying Rate and Various Parameters of Wood Samples, using an Indigenously Designed and Developed Vacuum Drying System. International Journal of Technology, Volume 7(5), pp. 795-809